KIRADECH IN HUNT
Thai two behind at Indonesian Masters
>> JAKARTA: England’s Justin Rose continued to stay ahead of the chasing pack by holding a two-shot lead over Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat through 16 holes after play was suspended due to fading light at the Indonesian Masters yesterday.
The second round of the seasonending Asian Tour event was suspended twice where the sirens were first blown at 3.19pm (Thai time) because of lightning threats. Officials later decided to call off play at 5.40pm due to fading light at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Play will resume at 6.15am this morning with the third round scheduled to start no earlier than 8.45am.
Rose, who was among the 36 players yet to complete their second round, started well with four birdies for an outward 32. He made another birdie on 11 followed by pars on 12 and 13 before the first sirens went off.
The Olympic gold medallist and major winner then parred 14 upon resumption of play but saw his advantage reduced to two after dropping a shot on 15. The Englishman had another par on 16 before play was abandoned for the day.
“It was actually a trickier day today. The wind blew. The squall was threatening to come earlier in the round. The wind was really picking up, it was changing direction,” said Rose.
“And obviously it is always tricky after a rain delay. I warmed up, went out again, there was a bit of a backlog on the par-three tee. It was hard to find a rhythm.
“The first 14 holes were good. I played really well. Very happy with that but obviously struggled with the delay and waiting. Hope to come out tomorrow morning and finish strong and build a third round after that.”
Kiradech, who came into the week on the back of an Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory at the Thongchai Jaideee Foundation last week, continued to ride on his red-hot form.
The two-time Asian Tour winner demonstrated his resolve to end the year with another victory by signing for an eight-under-par 64 to take the clubhouse lead in the morning.
“I have been hitting it good all week and playing some good golf,” said Kiradech. “I am happy with the five birdies in a row that I made and only missed two birdies putts overall.
“The conditions were good at the start but at the end it was very hot and humid.
“I will just play my own game and keep myself up there on the leaderboard in the next two rounds,” added the big-hitting Thai.
Compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai also showed why he is one of the leading contenders for the title.The young Thai shot a three-under 69 to move to 10-under 134 for the tournament and in touch with the leaders.